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Mainland and Island gastronomic Grand Tour

posted on mai 13, 2020

The cities of Split and Dubrovnik are travel destinations which undoubtedly need to be included in every accomplished traveller’s to-do list, which is further confirmed by their World Heritage Site status.

This experience, however, offers an entirely new perspective through a journey which connects these two Dalmatian cities like a golden thread woven from rich gastronomy and landscapes of both the Dalmatian Hinterland which unites these two pearlswith its self-effacing magic and the Central Dalmatian islands which lie scattered like pearls across the blue expanse of the Adriatic. This gastronomic tour offers a unique experience of the still undiscovered part of the world, rich in historical and cultural heritage and astonishing scenery. It adds an element of the unexpected to life, the missing spice which exalts. Starting from Dalmatia’s capital and the second largest city in Croatia – Split, the first days of the tour offer a mix of gastronomy, culture, leisure and off-the-beaten-track adventures. Driving towards the south, you shall explore several different styles of cuisine (including the highlights of the Oriental cuisine in Mostar), all the while enjoying fascinating landscapes and autochthonous dishes paired with premium local wines.

Having arrived to Dubrovnik and having explored the architectural and cultural wonders of this world-renowned Medieval city, you shall embark on a traditionally built Turkish gulet for an easy-going, island-hopping gastronomic cruise that will take you back to Split. As the second largest island group in the Mediterranean (1185 islands, islets and reefs), Croatian islands are steadfast protectors of the coastal traditions, packed with unique landscapes and each boasting their own specific delicacies.

Tailor-made to meet the standards of even the most demanding food enthusiasts, this tour will expand your horizons and indulge your senses, allowing you to see, smell and taste the piece of paradise that this part of the world is.

Day 1 | Split airport – Salona – Trogir

Following the arrival at the Split airport and a welcome by our chauffeur, you will be taken to the nearby ancient city of Salona for a welcome brunch with guided olive oil tasting and the tour of the Roman monuments, after which you will be dropped off at your lodging for check-in and some free time for relaxation.

Day 2 | Klis – Sinj – Trogir

Scenic drive to the historically significant Klis Fortress perched on a cliff overlooking the city of Split and offering a spectacular view of the entire Split Basin. Here, at the historic site of the medieval fortress, we will enjoy a unique breakfast with a view and taste what the Dalmatian farmers and labourers consumed every day before going out into the field. Following is a short drive to the town of Sinj, a brief tour of the town and a visit to the Alka Museum, complemented with lunch in a local tavern.

Day 3 | Trilj – Imotski – Vrgorac – Vid

Departure towards Dalmatian hinterland with a coffee break in a small town of Trilj, on the banks of the river Cetina; stopping for several tour attractions along the way; a visit to a renowned winery in Imotski for wine tasting and lunch on a local family-owned farm; tour of the impressive natural phenomena of the Red and Blue lakes and the town of Imotski; trip to Vid across Vrgorac; check-in and overnight stay in Vid.

Day 4 | Mostar – Vid

An early-morning trip to Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina), an ethnically diverse town divided by the river Neretva into the eastern and western part. Pursue the exquisite smells of traditional Bosnian cuisine along the avlije – alleys. After experiencing the specialties of oriental cuisine (the common culinary delights include ćevapčići, burek and sirnica or zeljanica) and a sightseeing tour of the town, we will drive back to Vid for a one-of-a- kind dinner served aboard a traditional river boat on the Neretva; enjoy the appetizers while gliding along the peaceful river, complemented with homemade red and white house wine; overnight stay.

Day 5 | Vid – Trebinje – Cavtat

This day begins with a visit to the Narona Archaeological Museum in the ancient town of Vid, the first in situ museum in the country. The main exhibition hall is an actual part of the Roman temple – Augusteum – containing numerous architectural remains and statues of emperors and their family members. Following is a visit to Trebinje (Bosnia and Herzegovina), a town which lies on the river Trebišnjica and features several mills and bridges, including the historic Ottoman Arslanagic bridge, and boasts gastronomic delights which mostly revolve around fresh- water fish, eels and frogs. Arriving in Cavtat in the late afternoon, we enjoy free time and spend the night.

Day 6 | Cavtat – Konavle

The day starts with a visit to the village of Gruda in Konavle Valley, where we will become acquainted with the silk production and the significance of Konavle embroidery. Along with an overview of traditional manufacture, function of the households and the way of life, you will learn about the importance of decorations on national costumes and conclude the trip deep in the hills on the other side of the valley, in a local family-owned tavern where we will have a delicious meal baked under a thick metal bell covered with hot coals, locally known as the peka.

Day 7 | Cavtat – Dubrovnik

Immediately after breakfast, you will be taken to Dubrovnik to explore the city’s stunning architecture and rich historical and cultural heritage on a unique walking city tour. Witness the traces of many centuries of eventful history and discover its magnificent buildings, palaces and treasures: Rector’s Palace, the Sponza Palace, Pile Gate, Orlando’s Column, the Cathedral of the Assumption, Franciscan Monastery… After escaping the crowds to a secluded place for lunch, we return to the old town in the evening hours.

Day 8 | Dubrovnik – embarkation on the gulet

After a morning spent at your own leisurely pace, in the afternoon you will be transferred to the authentic gulet built by skilled Turkish craftsmen according to the traditional fashion; meet and greet the crew and enjoy the welcome dinner as an introduction to the gastronomic delights that await you in the course of the next seven days; start an unparalleled experience on the sparkling Adriatic Sea, getting acquainted with the diverse local customs and watching endless mountain landscapes raising like a curtain behind the rugged shore while sailing among and along the scattered islands and islets.

Day 9 | Ston – Pelješac – Orebić

After a morning tour of the Ston walls, the longest uninterrupted walls in Europe and the second longest in the world, drink your first cup of coffee for the day before embarking on a boat tour to a private island for an exclusive oyster-tasting experience. The visit to the fascinating Pelješac Peninsula, Croatia’s famous wine region and the sanctuary of gastronomic delights, will satisfy even the most refined palates. Spend the night in Orebić, a lively seaside town on the southern side of the Pelješac peninsula.

Day 10 | Pelješac – Korčula

Spend a leisurely morning by swimming in the pristinely clean Adriatic Sea or soaking in the sun on one of Pelješac’s secluded beaches. Alternatively, you can also discover some of the most renowned wine-producers in the region, before embarking on a short sailing trip to the nearby island of Korčula, where we have prepared a special treat for you – a cooking class which will allow you to taste the culinary rhapsody of flavours in one of the local taverns.

Day 11 | Sailing day

After several eventful days of touring the natural, historical and gastronomic sites along the Southern Dalmatian coast, use this day to relax and enjoy the pristinely clear waters of the Adriatic en route from Korčula to Hvar. Our skipper will make sure to stop at all the most beautiful coves and bays along the way, allowing you to make the most of a day spent at leisure.

Day 12 | Hvar

Tour the agricultural landscape set up by the ancient Greek colonists in the 4th century BC that is still in use, the UNESCO heritage site – Stari Grad (Pharos) Plain; homey lunch and wine tasting at an agritourism estate, consisting of locally grown ingredients; panoramic ride through deserted villages scattered across the island to the stylish town of Hvar; visit to the fortress overlooking the town and the beautiful bay graced with Paklinski Islands; easy descent through the delightful botanical garden to the old town; visit to the Benedictine monastery harbouring yet another UNESCO-protected cultural heritage – the agave lace.

Day 13 | Brač

Meet our favourite, “hardworking” island, famous for its stone and lamb – the islandof Brač; visit to the stonemasonry school in Pučišća; visit an abandoned shepherd’s village and taste the flavours of the local dishes combined with homemade wines; reach the highest point of the island to absorb the panorama and gaze upon the waters of the Central Dalmatian Adriatic; participate in an olive oil tasting in the Oil Museum situated in the smallest and the oldest village on the island; discover beauties of the island lifeand visit the Island of Brač Museum to learn more about the culture and specificity of this island.

Day 14 | Split – Trogir

Start the day by exploring the UNESCO- protected historical core of Split: Diocletian`s Palace, Peristyle, Imperial substructures, picturesque streets and squares, temples, sphinxes, fruit and fish market, and medieval palaces. After the guided tour of the city’s main landmarks, you will be taken on a culinary tour complete with a private cooking class which connects the city’s five “Ps”: Pazar (farmer’s market), Peristyle, Pjaca (central town square), Peškarija (fish market) and Prokurative Square. Sail to Trogir for farewell dinner and overnight.

Day 15 | Trogir – departure

The day of the departure has come, but we trust that the experiences you have lived in the course of the past two weeks will become life-long memories to be cherished, revisited and retold for many years to come.

This fully customizable tour can be split in two, land and sea-based program.

Inclusions: accommodation based on bed & breakfast, Turkish gullet at a private yacht based on half-board, complete program with all entrance fees, transportation, road taxes, all tastings and meals as per program, tour guides, organisation, 24/7 agent support & VAT.

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